I know the Delta will still be there when I am ready to take my kids there, by Ken Wills, photo by Mitch Reid

Back in the late '80s, my father and I started exploring and fishing in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta at the head of Mobile Bay. At that time, most of the Delta lacked any form of protection and bald cypress and bottom-land hardwood were being cut, mainly for pulpwood. Forever Wild has since protected about 100,000 acres of the Delta and created new recreation opportunities such as the Bartram Canoe Trail, complete with floating campsites. The Forever Wild lands are open to all forms of recreation including hunting and fishing. When Dad and I return to our favorite spots in the Delta such as Tensaw Lake, we are happy to know that the majestic Spanish moss draped bald cypress swamps and the wildlife they support, such as the state's largest populations of swallow-tailed kites, alligators and black bear, have been protected by the Forever Wild Program. I know the Delta will still be there when I am ready to take my kids there.

Forever Wild has protected some wonderful examples of God's handiwork in Alabama, but the job is not finished. Rapid development of Alabama's natural areas will continue in the future, and we need Forever Wild to help ensure the best examples are protected for present and future generations.

Ken Wills lives in Hoover with his wife and two children.

Tell us about your special place. Keeping Alabama Forever Wild is seeking entries from people
who want to share their special outdoor placea in Alabama. They can be a state
park, wildlife area, nature preserve, stream, wetland, forests, or wildlife. Find out more
about how to participate.

Your entry can be in the form of
an essay (up to 600 words), photo or a video.

Send in your entry,
along with an approximate address or the name of the
nearest Alabama community to KeepingAlabamaForeverWild@gmail.com .
Photos and videos need to include a full description.

All entries
must include a line or two describing yourself, along with your
address, email address and phone number where we can contact you. We
will not publish your personal phone number or email. A selection will be made daily and published on
al.com each day from March 1 to Earth Day- April 22, 2011. We will
contact you if your submission is chosen to appear on al.com.